A comprehensive study conducted by the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study suggests that men following a plant-based diet experience improved sexual health and fewer instances of erectile dysfunction.

This research, involving over 3,500 men, particularly those undergoing prostate cancer treatment, highlights that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts—and low in meat and dairy—can significantly alleviate complications like erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

The participants were categorized into five groups based on their diet, focusing on the ratio of plant-based to animal-based foods consumed. Men who consumed the most plant-based foods experienced an 8% to 11% improvement in sexual function and up to a 14% improvement in urinary health.

This included fewer complications such as incontinence, obstruction, and irritation, suggesting that a plant-centric diet not only supports general health but also specifically enhances hormonal and urinary well-being.

Additionally, this group also saw up to a 13% increase in scores related to hormonal health, indicating fewer symptoms associated with low energy, depression, and hot flashes.

Dr. Stacy Loeb, the principal investigator of the study and a renowned urologist and professor at NYU Langone Health, emphasized the practical implications of their findings. “Our findings offer hope for those looking for ways to improve their quality of life after undergoing surgery, radiation, and other common therapies for prostate cancer, which can cause significant side effects,” she explained. Dr. Loeb also recommended a straightforward dietary adjustment: “Adding more fruits and vegetables to their diet, while reducing meat and dairy, is a simple step that patients can take.”

The study utilized data from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, initiated in 1986 by the Harvard Chan School, which collects detailed health and nutritional information from over 50,000 male health professionals. This longitudinal data helps to explore the relationship between diet and major diseases like cancer and heart disease. Participants, mainly in the early stages of prostate cancer, provided dietary updates every four years through detailed questionnaires.

Additionally, the study included biennial surveys that monitored various health and sexual health concerns, such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction, bowel function, energy levels, and mood. Researchers controlled for factors like weight, physical activity, and other lifestyle choices to isolate the impact of diet on health outcomes.

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of prostate cancer, adopting a diet rich in whole foods and low in animal products, coupled with regular exercise, can help reduce the risk.

This approach is supported by another significant study published in the Journal of Urology in 2021, which followed over 47,200 males for nearly three decades. It found that younger men who consumed higher amounts of plant-based foods had a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer, underscoring the potential protective effects of plant-based diets.

This growing body of evidence suggests that dietary choices play a crucial role in managing health risks associated with prostate cancer. By focusing on plant-based foods, men can not only improve their overall health but also significantly enhance their quality of life, especially when dealing with the challenges of prostate cancer treatment.